His ninth symphony became his greatest effort. After becoming disenchanted with his first version of the 4th movement, he became inspired to re-write it and include a Master Chorale utilizing Schiller's Ode to Joy! It became a resounding success. No symphony had anything like this to compare with it at the time. It was genius! The 4th movement is the final (the end) movement in his Symphony. And, the 9th Symphony was the last he would ever write.

The 4th movement was a home run then: the 9th is remains a home run today. A stunning piece that has become timeless and no less powerful than nearly two hundred years ago!

I had the opportunity to play principal clarinet for a performance of it with Mehli Mehta (Zubin Mehta's father) and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. It was unbelievable!!! The power of being right in the orchestra was incredulous!